The North Pleasant Street site, now called Gateway Redevelopment Project, was once home to 4 fraternities and a sorority.
University of Massachusetts Chancellor Robert C. Holub, left, Amherst Town Manager Lawrence C. Shaffer, center, and Amherst Redevelopment Authority chairman John W. Coull shake hands after signing the Gateway Redevelopment Project Partnership agreement Wednesday at the 44th Community Breakfast at UMass.AMHERST - At a breakfast that celebrates the relationship between the University and the town, Chancellor Robert C. Holub announced that the two parties were signing a partnership agreement conveying a piece of land on North Pleasant Street to Amherst for development.
The site of what is now called the Gateway Redevelopment Project on North Pleasant Street was once home to four fraternities and a sorority, but UMass bought the property and the buildings were razed in 2006.
The Amherst Redevelopment Authority has been looking at developing the 2.1 acre parcel for private student housing as part of a mixed use redevelopment project. The Legislature still has to approve the conveyance.
About 350 attended the 44th annual UMass and Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast and were treated to a myriad local products and a menu consisting of Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, individually prepared omelets, an assortment of breads and pastries, fruits and other offerings.
The breakfast in the Student Union Ballroom drew area legislators including state Rep. Benjamin Swan, D-Springfield, officials and residents from all over the region. It also drew David A. Sullivan, of Northampton, and Michael E. Cahillane, of Easthampton, who are vying for Northwestern district attorney in the primary later this month.
Holub also announced that UMass and Amherst were engaging in a Good Neighbor program “to improve the quality of life” for both community members and students.
In his remarks, Holub also lauded Town Manager Laurence R. Shaffer, who Monday night announced his retirement at the end of September. Holub praised Shaffer as a willing and engaging partner and for the “indelible mark on the town of Amherst.” While Shaffer will be gone, “many of the projects (he began) will continue.”
After the talks, Shaffer said the signing of the UMass-town agreement “is very significant.” He said now “there is no natural link to make the transition (between the downtown and UMass.)” This he said will join the two “in a meaningful way.”
Holub said “We need more of a presence in the town and town needs more of a presence from us.”
John W. Coull, chairman of the Redevelopment Authority, said the agreement signed at the breakfast is important because it reassures the town that the land will be conveyed. “It’s the official first step in acquiring the land and moving ahead with the project.”
He said however it “does not commit us” to any specific project.
The Good Neighbor program “redirects us to what works” between residents and students, Shaffer said. It is also further evidence “that we’re committed to working together.”